Skyguide introduces digital authorization for unmanned aerial systems and other special flights

Skyguide, the Swiss air navigation service provider, and AirMap have launched a digital flight planning and airspace authorization service for drones and other special flights (such as survey flights or parachute jumps). This deployment follows the development and testing of digital authorization capabilities as part of the Swiss U-Space rollout. Working with AirMap makes it easier and more efficient for Skyguide to process requests for flights in controlled airspace.

Unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operators throughout Switzerland can now submit online requests for authorization to fly in controlled airspace with an easy-to-use web application. Skyguide can process both single-click and multi-step authorizations and issue digital exemptions.

When an operator submits an application for special use of airspace digitally, skyguide staff can view all the data on the location, timing and route of the proposed flight. All airspace rules, regulations and the corresponding sectional charts are available on a single platform. Thanks to this digital platform, inter-agency reviews and authorizations of flights can be issued in the future.

By using the new digital solution to coordinate and authorize special flights, Skyguide will be able to reduce the processing time for approvals, reduce the administrative burden of the Special Flights Office, and provide safe and efficient access to controlled airspace for USA operators and other special flights.

"The nationwide rollout of digital approval services has made it faster, safer and easier for UAS and other special flight operators to fly in controlled airspace without increasing air traffic control workload," says Robert Fraefel, U-Space project manager at Skyguide. "U-Space technology allows our team to continue to safely handle the growing drone traffic in addition to other special flights."

“Skyguide’s successful deployment of digital authorizations shows how AirMap helps airspace authorities solve drone integration pain points,” says Simon Crowther, AirMap CEO.

The AirMap UTM platform is modular and designed to complement existing air traffic control and authority infrastructure to meet the needs of secure drone integration.